SikaColor®-430 Elements®

Water-Based

24 months

Store in original, unopened containers, in dry storage, between 60-80°F (16-27°C). Do not freeze.

98 g/l

200-400 sq./ft. (concentrate mixed with 96 oz. potable water)

Coverage will vary widely depending on the porosity and texture of the surface, application method, desired color intensity, and number of applications. Two applications may be required on very porous concrete. Greater color intensity may be achieved with multiple applications. Each application must penetrate and be absorbed by the concrete surface.

Cast a job site mock-up prior to the installation for approval of color and finish. Utilize all materials, tools, and techniques from the actual job in the mock-up. Consistent batching, pouring, finishing, curing, sealing, and preparation techniques, will ensure the uniformity of architectural concrete. Verify adequate wet and dry slip resistance. Maintenance requirements should also be discussed.

The substrate must be free from liquid release agent, powder release agent, curing compounds, sealers, oil, dirt, and other contamination that would impede the penetration of SikaColor®-430 Elements®. Hard-troweled concrete, self-leveling overlays, or similarly dense surfaces require preparation by rotary sanding with a 60-80 grit mesh-sanding screen or grit rotary brush. Avoid sanding too deeply and exposing the aggregate, which will change the surface color and texture. Demonstrate the effects of sanding upon color and texture with a mock-up panel prior to starting the installation. Test the surface with water. Random drops of water should quickly penetrate and darken the substrate. If not, additional sanding is necessary.

Once the concrete is clean, sound and contaminant free, non-porous substrates shall be washed with Sika® CHO™ Concrete Cleaner. Available in 1 lb. (0.5 kg) and 5 lb. (2.3 kg) containers jars. Mix 1 lb. (0.5 kg) of Sika® CHO™ Concrete Cleaner with 1 gal. (3.8 L) of clean water. 1 gal. (3.8 L) of the solution will clean approximately 100-150 sq. ft. in a single application. Spray or brush the solution onto the surface and then scrub with a stiff bristled brush or a white pad mounted on a rotary floor machine. Depending on the porosity/density of the concrete, multiple applications of Sika® CHO™ Concrete Cleaner or mechanical abrasion may be necessary. Do not allow the cleaning solution to dry on the surface. After cleaning with Sika® CHO™ Concrete Cleaner, neutralize the surface by brushing and washing with a solution of either 1 cup (236.6 ml) ammonia and 5 gal. (18.9 L) of water or 1 lb. (0.5 kg) of baking soda and 5 gal. (18.9 L) of water. Do not allow the neutralizing solution to dry on the surface. Flush and wet vacuum the residue. Thoroughly remove residues from the neutralizing and cleaning solutions from the surface. Neutralize and rinse the surface with water until a pH of 7 is achieved. Wet mopping alone will not adequately remove the neutralizing solution. The substrate must be completely dry before applying stains, coatings, and overlays.

Cleaning with muriatic acid is not recommended. The substrate must be dry before applying SikaColor®-430 Elements®.

Shake the concentrated 32 oz. (946.4 ml) plastic bottle of SikaColor®-430 Elements® and then pour into a clean plastic pail. Then add 96 oz. (2.8 L) of potable water into the pail by filling the emptied 32 oz. (946.4 ml) plastic bottle three times. Ensure that all color concentrate is rinsed from the bottle. Consistently measure the water to ensure color accuracy and coverage. Do not use concentrate without diluting with potable water. Do not add any other liquid or chemical to the product. Mix SikaColor®-430 Elements® by hand or with a drill mounted paddle. Once mixed, the working time is indefinite. Periodically agitate the mixed material during the application.

The concrete surface and joints must be thoroughly dry before application of SikaColor®-430 Elements®. Cover and protect adjacent surfaces with plastic during mixing and application. Overspray and spills are difficult to remove.

Periodically agitate the product in the mixing pail and sprayer reservoir, as settlement will occur. A shallow saw cut is recommended for effectively separating different colors. More than one application of SikaColor®-430 Elements® may be required on very porous concrete to achieve the desired coloration.

Do not allow material to puddle and dry on the surface or in joints. Depending on surface density and porosity, the substrate will eventually reject excess material. Excess material should be redistributed or wiped up with a clean cloth before it dries, otherwise it will require a more thorough clean up before sealing. If the material appears wet for longer than 1 minute, do not attempt to apply more product. If multiple applications are necessary, the surface may be lightly walked on after the previous application is dry to the touch or tack free. Do not walk on the dry stained surface for approximately 8 hours after the final application. Protect the stained surface from water and other liquids for 36 hours after application.

Application tools and equipment can be cleaned with soap and water.

SEALING

After SikaColor®-430 Elements® has dried for 24 hours, apply SikaCem®-100 Clear Guard®, SikaCem®-100 PRO 350®, or a SikaCem® water-based sealer. Do not use SikaCem®-102 First Seal®.